Review: Oresteia at Trafalgar Studios

Oresteia 
Trafalgar Studios
Reviewed on Monday 7th September 2015
★★★★

Time takes centre stage in Robert Icke's three and a half hour long production of Oresteia by Aeschylus. With clocks on screens positioned around the auditorium, as well as in the bars, audience members are strictly told to be in their seats by the start time. During the ten minute pause and fifteen minute interval a countdown is displayed, after which the play resumes regardless of whether the audience are ready or not. The concept is brilliant, before the show even begins questions are being asked and the intensity begins to build.

Almeida's Oresteia confirms details of West End transfer

The Almeida Theatre’s production of Oresteia, by Aeschylus is transferring to Trafalgar Studios.

The show will open in the West End on 7th September (previews from 22nd August) for a limited run until 7th November 2015. Oresteia has been re-imagined for the modern stage by Almeida Associate Director Robert Icke.

Icke’s Oresteia was acclaimed during its Almeida run as one of the theatre events of the year so far, creating a style of theatre-going that is the theatrical equivalent of binge-watching – audiences threw themselves into the epic and captivating style of the production.